Dancing With the Stars event raises more than $40,000

A sellout crowd spent Valentine’s Day enjoying Harrison Central’s annual “Dancing With the Stars” fundraiser, which featured community members paired as “pros and stars” and raised money for the Harrison Central Theater Program.

Director Ashley Doren said the event raised more than $40,000.

“That will support two shows per year, state conferences and a trip to New York for thespians every three years,” Doren said.

Local businesses sponsored each couple and also contributed through voting. This year’s theme centered on the 1990s, and the cast performed a mix of styles ranging from disco to hip-hop.

A new panel of judges provided comments after each performance. Judges were Andrew Pelegreen, Josh Moore, MD, Holly Brindley, Dirk Harkins and “Carson Daly,” portrayed by Michael Reiner.

Pelegreen previously served as executive director of The Hope Players Community Theater from 1994-2024. Moore performed on stage in high school and also participated in Season 2 of the fundraiser. Brindley is a former Harrison Central teacher and executive director of the Deersville Community Theater. Harkins hosts the IGY6 podcast, is a Season 1 champion and has supported the theater program. Reiner volunteers with the Squeaky Wheel Theatre Company in Columbiana, where he has helped special-needs actors in productions including “Grease: The School Version.”

Performers included Amber Basich and Tricia Richards; Kenny Skinner and Katie Norris; Garrett Bossell and Kate Fogle; Kira Birney and Joyce Barr-Peters; Scott Vorhees and Donna Minor; Madison Angle and Ryan Coffman; Anthony Hayes and Bobbie Prevot; Kim Burgins and Shianne Nameth; and Alex Dray and DJ Keesey, D.C.

Anthony Hayes and Bobbie Prevot won the People’s Choice Award, determined by the total amount raised by each pair through sponsorships and lobby donations.

Donna Minor and Scott Vorhees earned the Mirror Ball Trophy, which is based on audience voting the night of the event.

Doren is assisted by technical director Todd Dunlap and backstage directors Dani Doren and Tyler Patrick.

Harrison Central will present “Matilda, The Musical” March 20-22 in the Performing Arts Center.